Back-to-school blues - Vendors say COVID stifling demand for supplies

Usually at this time of the year, downtown Kingston is swarmed with back-to-school shoppers. Bags, textbooks, uniforms and all things school related would be going rapidly.

But not this time around. Vendors are complaining that their customers are demotivated by the recent spike in positive COVID-19 cases.

"People seh school nah open back. Most a the people dem seh dem afi a watch fi see wah gwan because no money nuh deh and the election a the week before. People a come and a ask bout prices enuh, but them a do that with the intention fi come back come buy. But at the end a the day, dem just a watch fi see wah gwan first," one vendor, Michael, told THE WEEKEND STAR. Michael sells notebooks and textbooks on King Street, but said that while people flock him yearly, he is not seeing that crowd this year.

"It slow, man! And me understand the people dem because me still have a doubt seh school ago reopen too, me nah lie," he said.

Marcia, who sells uniforms and school shoes on West Queen Street, said nothing is happening.

I only sell two white blouse

"From I come out here last week with uniform and shoes, I only sell two white blouse. Just two blouse! Usually at this time, you would find a lot of people buying already," she said. "With the school shoes, a the same thing. They are all saying they don't want to buy now and then they hear that there will be no school."

Anita, another vendor, said that last year at this time, all goods were sold. This year is the opposite.

"Every day me afi pack up back and go home with everything. Sometime when me deh yah me cah even buy on lunch! Me afi beg bus fare or beg drive go home," she said.

Sonia said some customers complain of having no money, but most say their children will wear the same uniforms from last year.

"Back to school a sleep! Somebody order something from me and dem come for it. That's it. That's the only thing I sell today. Just one person. Back to school collapse," she said.